The County of Roussillon is both Bertrand de Roussillon’s inheritance and the territory Gillette de Narbonne governs during his absence. Left disordered after a long period without its lord, it becomes the clearest measure of her competence: she restores its affairs, earns the vassals’ affection, and eventually returns there with the evidence that fulfills Bertrand’s condition for accepting her as his wife.

Setting and inheritance

In the kingdom of France, the county belongs to Bertrand, the only son of its late count. After his father’s death, Bertrand is placed in the French king’s care and goes to Paris. The territory is consequently left for a long time without its lord, a vacancy that later matters both to its administration and to the couple’s estrangement.

Gillette’s stewardship

After her marriage to Bertrand, Gillette travels to the County of Roussillon hoping that fair dealing will bring him back. She finds its affairs wasteful and disordered, and applies diligence and care to putting them in order. The vassals are greatly pleased with her work, grow deeply attached to her, and blame Bertrand for refusing to receive a wife who has proved herself so capable. They recognize her as their liege lady even while Bertrand remains away.

Absence and return

Bertrand tells Gillette that he will return to live with her only when she has his ring on her finger and bears him a son. The condition keeps the county’s lord absent, despite the order she has restored. When Bertrand hears that Gillette has left the territory, his vassals recall him, and he returns to his house.

Gillette later travels, still in her customary pilgrim’s dress, to a feast Bertrand is holding in the county on All Saints’ Day. She arrives with their two sons and Bertrand’s ring, then presents herself before him and asks him to fulfill his promise. In the assembled company, Bertrand recognizes the ring and the children, accepts Gillette as his lawful wife, and acknowledges the boys as his children. He has her dressed in apparel befitting her rank, celebrates with his vassals, and thereafter honors and loves her as his bride and wife.

Narrative significance

The county’s disorder and restoration give Gillette’s patience a public consequence: her worth is demonstrated not only by her devotion to Bertrand but by her effective care of his inheritance. Its vassals’ loyalty contrasts with Bertrand’s rejection, and their recall of him helps bring the estranged couple back into the same household. The final recognition in the county thus reunites family and lordship at once.